What is Global Cooperation?

I think one can assume from the term 'Global Cooperation' that it's probably referring to the idea of working collaboratively on projects. I've experienced working with others through wiki so I wasn't sure if global cooperation would be something different. In order to find out more about global cooperation websites, I've decided to focus on two sites in particular, The Global Schoolhouse and KidLink. My goal in exploring these two sites is 1) find out how they can benefit my students and 2) compare and contrast their features.

The Global Schoolhouse (GSN)

• Doors to Diplomacy - a program sponsored by U.S. Department of State to help encourage middle and high schoolers to submit web-based projects that can help promote and educate students from other countries about U.S. international affairs and diplomacy.
• International CyberFair- is a White House-endorsed, award winning and authentic learning program available to schools and youth organizations all around the world. Students and youth groups are encouraged to become community ambassadors by conducting their own research and publish their findings online. Through a unique evaluation tool, students will choose the best projects in each of the eight categories.
  
• Online Expeditions - gives students an opportunity to interact and learn about exciting adventures by asking questions, doing research or look for facts. The expeditions connect students to various subjects such as geography, mathematics, history or language arts.


• Competitions - aside from International CyberFair and Doors to Diplomacy, GSN also offers competition such as ThinkQuest sponsored by Oracle Education Foundation for students and teachers to produce unique project-based for fellow others across the globe. Teachers can compete in Online Learning Award (OLA) sponsored by International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). OLA is designed to recognize teachers from worldwide who have provided innovative ways of incorporating online networks to provide exciting learning experiences to students from K-16.


• Membership - no fee sign-up for teachers or anyone interested in joining. Members can also choose to pledge their support to GSN and enjoy extra benefits by contributing a $45.00 fee.


• Layout - very easy to understand and simple layout. Take a Tour is really helpful in providing step-by-step instruction for newcomers or anyone looking for more information.


• Privacy - GNS requires email verification when signing up in order to prevent spammers. A staff member is responsible for reviewing all registrations and GNS is committed to never share or reveal any of their members' information.

KidLink

• Layout- very colorful and captivating especially for younger learners. KidLink is also translated into more than 19 languages.

• Workshop - KidLink offers workshop for teachers who might be unfamiliar with using internet as part of their classroom activities. It also include hands-on training curriculum ideas for teachers.
• Membership - free and all students are required to register (regardless of age) in order to participate or join KidLink.
• Projects - KidLink includes a Kidproj Multi section that invite participation in all languages. All of the students' work can be read in English and in other languages as well. Students can choose to participate in any topics by submitting their ideas. Students can also invite each other to chat in a room.
• Privacy - KidLink divided the registration into 2 parts, registration for children under the age of 16 or as a student and registration for adults. All registrations will be reviewed by staffs.

GNS vs. KidLink


I think both sites contain valuable information for teachers, students and parents. GNS' target audience is for middle to high schooler and KidLink is more user-friendly for younger age groups. Unlike KidLink, GNS offers a lot more projects and competitions for students, youth groups and teachers. However, GNS is only available in English whereas KidLink can be translated into more than 19 languages. KidLink's layout includes a lot of children's artwork from all over the globe. As for GNS, their layout include a lot of information and is designed in a very organized manner.

In my future classroom, I would like to try and incorporate both websites when working on a global cooperation project. Because KidLink is designed with younger learners in mind, I will use it as an introductory tool for my future ESL students. Once I have familiarize my students with the concept of global cooperation, I will transition the class into using GNS. Based on the theme of our lesson, I will encourage my students to either start or join a project. Then, students will invite or collaborate with students from all across the globe. Finally, the end product will be published on the web for others to see.


WiZiQ

Another tool that I would like to utilize as part of a global cooperation project is WiZiQ. Because WiZiQ is a virtual classroom, I can also promote participation from teachers in different parts of the world. What better way to learn about India than having an actual teacher from India to teach a 'virtual' lesson through WiZiQ? WiZiQ also include a video and audio option that will come in handy for students to practice their listening and speaking skills when communicating with each other. What's more, all of the lessons done on WiZiQ can be recorded for future use. These lessons can be combined into a presentation that can be published on WiZiQ (or other global cooperation websites) for others to see.

Until next time...